City centre pubs channelled their Celtic spirit as revellers headed out for St Patrick’s Day.

Party goers donned hats and wore sunglasses and necklaces adorned with shamrocks, as they painted the city green white to mark the celebration.

People around the world have joined the emerald isle in enjoying the Gaelic celebrations on March 17.

Northumbria University Union held it’s annual all day celebration of all things Gaelic which was packed out with students.

“You have no idea how seriously Northumbria Uni takes St Patrick’s Day,” Sara Robinson warned ahead of the celebrations, while Melissa Marshall Tweeted to say: “I wish I was back in Ireland for St Patricks Day.”

The Tyneside Irish Centre pulled in the crowds with entertainment throughout the afternoon, while young Irish dancers showed off their moves in shows across the region.

Looking ahead to the weekend revellers can still make the most of the Gaelic festivities with a family day out at the Tyneside Irish Centre and St Patrick’s Raceday at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday.

St Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century. As well as being marked by lots of revellers it is also observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutheran Church.

The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland as well as celebrating the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.